BPPO clarifies relief of Tagbilaran police chief

Local

By MyTVCebu Desk

THE relief of Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober as chief of the Tagbilaran City Police Station was not a form of punishment.

The Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) clarified this as investigation into the alleged kidnapping that happened outside a public market in Barangay Dao, Tagbilaran last March 11 continues.

Escober and four other Tagbilaran police personnel were relieved last March 16. Lt. Col. Judy Mar Bonilla has been named as officer-in-charge of the Tagbilaran police.

Col. Patricio Degay Jr., chief of BPPO, said the relief of Escober was part of the process meant to erase doubts while the alleged kidnapping is being investigated.

“By shifting leadership during the probe, we remove any perception of influence, allowing internal investigators to work with full independence and transparency,” said Degay.

Degay added that the reshuffling will also help the police keep public trust.

It was Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap who announced Escober's relief after she was visited in her office by Degay on Monday, March 16.

Yap clarified that she had nothing to do with the removal of Escober, saying the relief order came from the Police Regional Office-Central Office.

Yap assured that the city remains safe and is ready to respond to emergencies. She said there is no blotter report about a kidnapping and no one has come forward to report a missing relative.

"I can assure that Tagbilaran is safe. We have measures in place to protect our people, we have CCTVs and we have a very responsive 911 system," Yap said.(CDB)